by Michael Wicherek
ENGLAND’S one-day form continues with another comfortable chase against Australia to take a two-nil lead in the five-match series and they will be looking to clinch it in Sydney on Sunday.
They have now lost just two matches from their last 20 in a run stretching back to January 2017, with Australia not beating them since September 2015.
Aggressive England
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Jason Roy and Alex Hales are two key players that highlight the aggressive approach within the one-day set up. Both top-order batters have experience playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, as well as various other T20 leagues around the world and put pressure on the opposition bowlers.
Roy’s match winning 180 in the first ODI displayed the Surrey batsman’s striking ability and England will be hoping for more of the same with the World Cup around the corner.
Neither batsmen are perceived to have a technique capable of succeeding in Test cricket, however, with both players displaying excellent striking ability it could be time for one of them to freshen up England’s middle-order in the longer form of the game.
Collapses Continue
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Despite convincing victories in both ODI’s so far, England have wobbled in the latter stages of both chases. In the first, with the game all but won, they slipped from 281-2 to 302-5. Debutant Jhye Richardson removed Hales and Bairstow on the way to England stumbling from 119-1 to 157-4.
The batting form of Moeen Ali is a major concern for England, the all-rounder struggling for form and he could be dropped for the next match in Sydney.
His bowling in the Ashes was also below par, however he has bowled very economically in the one-day matches going at 4.11 from his 17 overs. With Chris Woakes showcasing his ability with an unbeaten 39 from 27 deliveries today and Ben Stokes soon to return, Ali’s time in the side could be limited.
Was James Anderson Right?
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During the Ashes series James Anderson claimed that Australia lack depth behind formidable pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins, and this ODI series is proving him right.
Andrew Tye has been effective in T20’s with excellent variations, however he has looked toothless in the ODI’s with England’s batters nudging him around. Jhye Richardson showed promise with two wickets on Friday but he is an exception.
Australia entrusted spin duties to part-timers Travis Head and Aaron Finch, who bowled 10 overs that went for 72 runs and yielding no wickets. Without their front line attack, Australia look vulnerable.
(Feature image: NAPARAZZI)
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